Bridge upgrade to boost truck access

The federal and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) governments will spend almost $1 million strengthening a bridge to improve heavy vehicle access to the territory’s key routes.

The Barry Drive Bridge in Turner will be upgraded to make it capable of supporting loads of up to 68 tonnes. Loads are currently restricted to a maximum of 45 tonnes.

Funding for the project is coming from the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, which is bankrolling rest area projects and road upgrades across the country.

"It’s estimated that the amount of freight that will be carried on roads in our nation’s capital will double over the next decade. Improving productivity through projects like this will help reduce the effect of the growing freight task on road safety, the environment and the amenity of our communities," federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese says.

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says the project was selected following consultation with the trucking industry.